Daniel gets my vote for N.C. Senate

Published: Friday, November 2, 2012 at 01:50 PM.

In every election, one must be diligent in researching a candidate’s way of leading. In the race for N.C. Senate district 46, between Senator Warren Daniel and John McDevitt, I have several points to share from my personal experiences with both candidates.

When John McDevitt ran for sheriff for the first time in 1998, he planned an event on the courthouse square to publicly slander the incumbent sheriff. It took place the Monday before Election Day without any time for the current sheriff to counter any claims or give a rebuttal. The News Herald gave him front page coverage, which was in direct opposition to their policy to not allow any new issues without adequate rebuttal time. Upon election, McDevitt then proceeded to lay off a large number of law enforcement officers just prior to Christmas. This is not the integrity or compassion Burke Countians want in a leader.

Early in his career as the Burke County Sheriff, I personally met with John McDevitt about some items stolen from my warehouse in Icard. Two antique hit-and-miss engines that were going to be refurbished and used in educational displays for school children had been taken. I took the names of two likely suspects to the Sheriff’s Department and spoke face-to-face with Sheriff McDevitt in his office. He assured me he would investigate these thefts and get back to me. He never did. Even after I contacted him personally a second time, he never gave any indication that an investigation was being done. None of my leads were pursued, no arrests were ever made, and the crime was never solved. In a lot of cases, McDevitt’s overly political nature resulted in selective justice.

When he ran for sheriff in 2010, John McDevitt asked the voters for their support to serve them for four more years. Just four months later he turned his back on the people he asked to support him, resigned and hand-picked his replacement. Now he wants us to elect him to the N.C. Senate. How can we trust that he will serve out his term this time?

In contrast, I have known Senator Warren Daniel since he was a teen. He is an Eagle Scout, West Point graduate, veteran, deacon, husband of 19 years, and a father to three girls. I knew before he was elected that he would make us proud, and he hasn’t disappointed us. Warren has fought for our western North Carolina values for the past two years. He helped to turn a $2.5 billion deficit in to a budget surplus, voted for the largest tax cut in North Carolina history, co-sponsored the Marriage Amendment that is now a part of the North Carolina Constitution, and fought for the rights of unborn babies. He has maintained a district Senate office in Burke and Caldwell counties—paid for with his own salary and campaign funds—that serves hundreds of constituents each year. All who ask are assisted without favoritism or partisanship. Warren has kept his word to the people of BurkeCounty and he is committed to serving each 2-year term to which he is elected.

That is why I can wholeheartedly continue to offer my support and ask you to support Warren Daniel as he seeks re-election to the N.C. Senate.

In every election, one must be diligent in researching a candidate’s way of leading. In the race for N.C. Senate district 46, between Senator Warren Daniel and John McDevitt, I have several points to share from my personal experiences with both candidates.

When John McDevitt ran for sheriff for the first time in 1998, he planned an event on the courthouse square to publicly slander the incumbent sheriff. It took place the Monday before Election Day without any time for the current sheriff to counter any claims or give a rebuttal. The News Herald gave him front page coverage, which was in direct opposition to their policy to not allow any new issues without adequate rebuttal time. Upon election, McDevitt then proceeded to lay off a large number of law enforcement officers just prior to Christmas. This is not the integrity or compassion Burke Countians want in a leader.

Early in his career as the Burke County Sheriff, I personally met with John McDevitt about some items stolen from my warehouse in Icard. Two antique hit-and-miss engines that were going to be refurbished and used in educational displays for school children had been taken. I took the names of two likely suspects to the Sheriff’s Department and spoke face-to-face with Sheriff McDevitt in his office. He assured me he would investigate these thefts and get back to me. He never did. Even after I contacted him personally a second time, he never gave any indication that an investigation was being done. None of my leads were pursued, no arrests were ever made, and the crime was never solved. In a lot of cases, McDevitt’s overly political nature resulted in selective justice.

When he ran for sheriff in 2010, John McDevitt asked the voters for their support to serve them for four more years. Just four months later he turned his back on the people he asked to support him, resigned and hand-picked his replacement. Now he wants us to elect him to the N.C. Senate. How can we trust that he will serve out his term this time?

In contrast, I have known Senator Warren Daniel since he was a teen. He is an Eagle Scout, West Point graduate, veteran, deacon, husband of 19 years, and a father to three girls. I knew before he was elected that he would make us proud, and he hasn’t disappointed us. Warren has fought for our western North Carolina values for the past two years. He helped to turn a $2.5 billion deficit in to a budget surplus, voted for the largest tax cut in North Carolina history, co-sponsored the Marriage Amendment that is now a part of the North Carolina Constitution, and fought for the rights of unborn babies. He has maintained a district Senate office in Burke and Caldwell counties—paid for with his own salary and campaign funds—that serves hundreds of constituents each year. All who ask are assisted without favoritism or partisanship. Warren has kept his word to the people of BurkeCounty and he is committed to serving each 2-year term to which he is elected.

That is why I can wholeheartedly continue to offer my support and ask you to support Warren Daniel as he seeks re-election to the N.C. Senate.